Other Texas schools

UT Dallas approved a sustainability policy in spring 2010. The school has a sustainability committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and the sustainability office employs a full-time energy conservation and sustainability manager. The university strives to purchase energy-efficient equipment whenever possible and uses certified green cleaning products. A revolving account funds on-campus energy and water efficiency projects.

The university aims to achieve a 15 percent reduction in energy consumption from 2005 levels by 2011. To decrease energy use, UT Dallas has installed steam trap systems and energy management systems in existing buildings on campus, as well as LED lighting and lighting sensors. The school generates renewable energy from solar panels to heat water in the student services building.

Dining services purchases local produce, milk, baked goods, and beverages. The university serves exclusively cage-free eggs, hormone- and antibiotic-free pork, beef, and chicken, and sustainably-harvested seafood. Fair trade coffee is available at all dining locations, and all students who use a reusable mug receive a beverage discount. As of 2009, all meals are trayless. Preconsumer food scraps and other waste are composted for use in the community garden.

The UT System’s building standards mandate that new construction will strive to achieve the equivalent of LEED Certified standards or higher whenever possible. The new student services building is expected to meet LEED Platinum standards. Water conservation technologies, such as xeriscaping and greywater systems, have been installed on campus. All non-diseased landscape waste is composted.

Students may choose to live in a sustainable living-learning community, and the Office of Sustainability gives each new student information about how to incorporate sustainability into campus life. Students for Environmental Awareness holds bimonthly meetings and gives presentations about contemporary environmental issues.

UT Dallas provides free public transportation passes to all members of the campus community and operates free shuttles between living spaces, classrooms, and events. In 2009, the school started a small bike-sharing program, and the master plan includes goals to connect the campus with the bike paths in the surrounding city.

The university makes a list of all holdings available to the public per open records law. A list of votes cast on proxy resolutions on a company-specific level, including the number of shares, is also available to the general public. This information is sent to individuals upon request.

The university aims to optimize investment returns and is exploring, but not currently invested in, renewable energy funds. The university also uses investment managers who consider environmental and sustainability factors.